A Rangers supporter who invaded the pitch at Ibrox following the Scottish Cup quarter-final against Celtic has been remanded in custody after admitting assaulting a member of the Hoops’ staff during the disorder that followed the match.

Marc Spence, 48, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Celtic first-team masseur Allan Baird and committing a breach of the peace.

The incident occurred on March 8, 2026, after Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties in a fiercely contested Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. The result was followed by disorder as supporters from both sides entered the pitch.

According to the prosecution, Spence ran aggressively towards Celtic supporters who had entered the playing area. Baird became concerned that the former youth football coach was heading towards Celtic’s players and staff, prompting him to step into his path.

The court heard that Spence collided with Baird, who then grabbed him around the neck and pulled him to the ground. Police officers subsequently intervened and escorted Spence from the pitch.

The case took another significant turn when Sheriff Owen Mullan told Spence that the custodial threshold had been met and ordered that he be remanded in custody.

Although the court has not yet imposed a final sentence, the decision highlights the seriousness with which the incident is being treated.

WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE IBROX PITCH INVASION?

The disorder followed Celtic’s victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on March 8.

Celtic’s penalty-shootout success secured their progression in the competition, but the aftermath was overshadowed by supporters entering the field of play.

The prosecution told Glasgow Sheriff Court that Spence entered the pitch from the south stand before running aggressively towards Celtic supporters who were already on the field.

Baird, who works with Celtic’s first team, became concerned about the direction in which Spence was moving and attempted to prevent him from reaching the area where Celtic’s players and staff were gathered.

The court heard that a collision followed, leaving Baird on the ground. Two police officers then intervened and detained Spence.

CCTV footage of the incident was shown during proceedings, with Celtic players and police officers visible around Spence following his arrest.

The incident illustrates how quickly a football celebration or moment of frustration can turn into a serious security situation when spectators enter the playing area.

A football pitch is not simply an extension of the stands. It is a working environment for players, coaches, medical personnel, officials and other staff who must be able to carry out their responsibilities without being threatened or attacked.

MARC SPENCE’S REMARKS AFTER THE INCIDENT

One of the most striking details presented in court concerned Spence’s comments while police escorted him away in handcuffs.

According to the prosecution, he said: “I was trying to get past the guy – he stood in my way and I just took him out.”

The remark formed part of the account presented to the court concerning the confrontation with Baird.

Spence subsequently pleaded guilty to assaulting the Celtic staff member and committing a breach of the peace.

The guilty plea means the case has moved beyond a dispute over whether the offences occurred. The remaining question is what punishment the court will impose.

Spence’s defence lawyer, Michael Stewart, told the court that his client was employed full-time as a warehouse operative with Bacardi and had no previous convictions or outstanding matters.

Those details were presented as part of the mitigation.

However, Sheriff Mullan made clear that the seriousness of the case justified custody, ordering Spence to be remanded while background reports were prepared ahead of sentencing next month.

WHY THE COURT’S DECISION MATTERS

The decision to remand Spence in custody sends a clear message about the seriousness of the incident, although it is important to distinguish remand from a final custodial sentence.

Spence has admitted the offences, but the court deferred sentencing until next month to allow background reports to be prepared.

The sheriff’s statement that the custodial threshold had been met indicates that imprisonment is being considered appropriate in the circumstances. The precise sentence, however, has not yet been determined.

The case also highlights the potential legal consequences of football-related disorder.

Supporters sometimes become caught up in the emotion of major matches, particularly when long-standing rivals meet in high-pressure cup ties. But intense sporting feelings do not remove individual responsibility for conduct that crosses into criminal behaviour.

Pitch invasions can create dangerous situations even when those entering the field believe they are celebrating or expressing frustration.

When a person moves aggressively towards opposition supporters or staff, the risk of a confrontation increases considerably.

For clubs, the consequences can extend beyond the individuals directly involved. Security reviews, disciplinary investigations, reputational damage and additional policing requirements can all follow incidents of disorder.

The court proceedings therefore have significance beyond the actions of one supporter.

CELTIC STAFF MEMBERS MUST BE ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS SAFELY

While players naturally receive much of the attention surrounding a major football match, the people working behind the scenes are essential to every club.

Baird’s role as Celtic’s first-team masseur places him among the staff members responsible for supporting players’ physical preparation and recovery.

Medical and performance personnel work closely with footballers throughout training sessions, matches and rehabilitation periods. Their responsibilities do not disappear when the final whistle blows.

During a major fixture, staff may need to remain close to players while managing injuries, supporting recovery routines and responding to unexpected situations.

The prospect of supporters entering the playing area can make those responsibilities considerably more difficult.

In this case, the prosecution said Baird became concerned that Spence was running towards Celtic’s players and staff and stepped into his path.

That detail is important because the incident was not simply a case of a supporter entering the pitch. It involved a confrontation with a member of the opposing club’s staff.

Football organisations have a responsibility to create an environment in which players and employees can perform their duties without fearing physical aggression from spectators.

The protection of staff should be regarded as a basic requirement of matchday safety, regardless of the club they represent.

CELTIC’S WIN OVER RANGERS WAS OVERSHADOWED BY THE DISORDER

Celtic’s penalty-shootout victory should have been remembered primarily as a significant result in the Scottish Cup.

Beating Rangers at Ibrox is an important achievement for any Celtic side, particularly in a knockout competition where one result determines who advances.

Yet the disorder following the match shifted attention away from the football.

Instead of concentrating exclusively on the performances, tactical decisions and consequences of Celtic’s progression, the aftermath became associated with supporters entering the pitch and confrontations involving people connected to both clubs.

That is a disappointing outcome for the sport.

Rivalries are an important part of football’s appeal. The atmosphere, pressure and emotional investment surrounding an Old Firm fixture help make it one of the most closely followed matches in Scottish football.

However, the intensity of that rivalry should not come at the expense of safety.

Supporters can celebrate a victory passionately or express disappointment after defeat without crossing the boundary between sporting emotion and unlawful conduct.

The challenge for both clubs is ensuring that the atmosphere remains part of the spectacle rather than becoming a source of danger.

THE WIDER MESSAGE FOR RANGERS AND CELTIC SUPPORTERS

The case should not be interpreted as a reflection of every Rangers supporter.

Football clubs have enormous and diverse fan bases, and the actions of one individual should not be used to condemn an entire community.

Nevertheless, incidents of this nature create legitimate questions about stadium security and the responsibilities of supporters.

The same standards must apply regardless of which club a person follows.

A supporter who enters the field and attacks an opposing player, member of staff or fellow spectator should expect their actions to be examined seriously.

For Rangers and Celtic, preventing similar incidents requires a combination of effective security arrangements, clear communication with supporters and appropriate action when individuals break the rules.

Stewards and police must be able to respond quickly when spectators enter restricted areas. Clubs must also make it clear that the result of a match does not justify threatening behaviour.

The overwhelming majority of supporters attend football to back their teams, enjoy the atmosphere and share the experience with friends and family.

Protecting that experience means ensuring that a small number of individuals cannot turn a major sporting occasion into a security incident.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IN MARC SPENCE’S CASE?

Spence’s case remains open following Thursday’s hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Baird and committing a breach of the peace. Sheriff Mullan deferred sentencing until next month to allow background reports to be prepared.

His defence highlighted his full-time employment and his status as a first offender, with no previous convictions or outstanding matters reported to the court.

Those circumstances may form part of the sentencing assessment, but the sheriff has already indicated that the custodial threshold has been met.

The final outcome will depend on the court’s assessment of the circumstances and the information contained in the reports.

Until the sentencing hearing takes place, it would be inaccurate to state that Spence has received a specific prison sentence.

What is clear is that he has been remanded in custody after admitting the offences.

The next hearing will determine the final punishment.

FINAL VERDICT: FOOTBALL RIVALRIES MUST NEVER PUT PEOPLE IN DANGER

The events at Ibrox on March 8 demonstrate how a major football occasion can be overshadowed by behaviour that has serious consequences.

Celtic secured their Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Rangers on penalties, but the disorder that followed created a separate legal issue.

Marc Spence has now admitted assaulting Celtic staff member Allan Baird and committing a breach of the peace. The 48-year-old has been remanded in custody after the sheriff determined that the custodial threshold had been met, with sentencing deferred until next month.

The case is a reminder that football’s emotional intensity does not excuse criminal behaviour.

Supporters can celebrate victories, endure painful defeats and passionately defend their clubs without threatening the safety of other people.

For Celtic, Rangers and Scottish football as a whole, the priority must be ensuring that players, staff, officials and supporters can take part in matchdays without fear of violence.

The result of an Old Firm match may dominate the headlines for a day, but the consequences of actions taken after the final whistle can last far longer.

The football should always be the main event. When supporters cross the line into violence, the consequences can extend well beyond the stadium.